Venezuelan families demand political prisoners' release in dialogue talks

Relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela are demanding that the release of their detained family members be a central issue in the ongoing dialogue between the government and opposition, facilitated by the United States. For nearly two months, a group of these families has been camped near the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, seeking to engage with U.S. officials, particularly John Barrett, the Chargé d'Affaires, to advocate for intervention.

Mayra Morales, whose brother Ricardo Fonseca is among those detained, emphasized that the freedom of political prisoners should be the "number one point" in the talks if the parties are "really serious about doing things right" and aiming for a "clean, free, and democratic Venezuela." However, initial announcements from both the government delegation, led by Jorge Rodríguez, and the opposition group, headed by Dinorah Figuera, indicate that the first topics will focus on aid for recent earthquake victims, strengthening democracy, and political rights and guarantees, without providing specific details on prisoner releases.

Morales expressed a desire to meet with Figuera, believing the opposition leader understands the plight of families with political detainees, having herself left the country fearing imprisonment for her dissenting views. The families have stated they will continue their vigil at the embassy, awaiting any opportunity to engage.

Jessica Castro, niece of Gustavo Hernández, voiced hope for the dialogue process, noting the participation of politicians who were part of the opposition-controlled 2015 National Assembly. She acknowledged that while a "significant number" of political prisoners have been released since January, following authorities' announcement of freeing "an important number" of individuals, many still remain incarcerated. According to the NGO Foro Penal, 379 people are still imprisoned. Yamileth Vidal, sister of former mayor Carlos Vidal, also hopes the dialogue participants will "take into consideration the freedom of political prisoners."

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